New Research Shows Benefits of Mindfulness Education

Share

Giving Compass’ Take:

• Doctors from Western Sydney University address the gap in social and emotional skills for kids by utilizing adventure therapy approaches that combine indoor and outdoor activities which promote mindfulness education.

• The research shows clear benefits for young people, who report that they meditate more, and adopt self-calming techniques. Could this type of therapy be incorporated into school curricula?

Dr. Danielle Tracey and her colleagues Dr. Gray, Dr. Truong and Dr. Ward of Western Sydney University sought to address this gap through a study using acceptance and commitment therapy alongside adventure therapy.

The new interdisciplinary approach aims to promote the well-being of children with challenging behavioural and or emotional needs. The program is based on interactive and outdoor activities. These included themed nature walks and the use of metaphors to help children identify anger, games working with knots to develop problem-solving skills, and the minefield game in which students verbally guide their blindfolded teachers though an imaginary minefield to build trust and respect.

“The heart of adventure therapy is using the outdoors and experiential learning to deal with psychosocial difficulties,” Dr Tracey said.

“Learning through experience, interaction with nature, dealing with risk, group therapy, and a focus on positive change are all part of adventure therapy.”

The program is novel in that it uses adventure therapy in conjunction with acceptance and commitment therapy.

Acceptance and commitment therapy seeks to align people’s thinking and behaviour, so they can achieve a valued and meaningful life. This is done through building psychological flexibility (exemplified in the ability to be present in the moment), pursuit of important values and acceptance of the presence of unpleasant experiences.

Dr Tracey pointed out that acceptance and commitment therapy is well suited to children as it uses metaphors rather than literal instructions. Furthermore, its more famous aspects, mindfulness and acceptance, appear more easily picked up by children than adults.

“Post-program evaluation saw child participants express the use of self-calming through mindfulness. They also referenced taking time out, calming down and meditation,” she said.

Mental health challenges affect every woman, man, and child in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five American adults has a diagnosable mental health condition, and more than half of adults with a mental health disorder do not receive treatment.
What’s more, a study from the Journal of Psychiatry found that mental illness costs America more than $193 billion per year. That’s more than any other health problem, including heart disease, trauma, and cancer. Yet mental health receives far less attention and investment than other diseases, even though mental health — and especially women’s mental health — is critical to achieving the social impact goals many of us pursue.

Looking for a way to get involved?

A good way to complement your interest in Education is to connect with others. Check out these events, galas, conferences or volunteering opportunities related to Education.